₦airaland Forum

This man’s misplaced defiance, denouncement, and detachment from the reality that defines today’s Nigeria, would only strengthen the outgoing administration hands in freewheeling the economy in these final days, creating more challenges and unrealistic expectations of salvation from a besieged people, when he eventually mounts the podium.

The coming days would serve as instruction, months into his administration, when probing, witch-hunting, and the meander of the courts, do nothing to rein in the perennial problems of petroleum products distribution and supply, and a people’s mounting impatience becomes unwieldy and blows over.

Someone needs to wake this man up, and quickly, too...

A colleague of mine once remarked that the average Nigerian parades a week old threshold memory, else some of these irritating narratives, twists, and blame games would hardly suffer audience in a serious and mature polity.

What you’ve got across the spectrum of society, is rank ignorance, gullibility, partisanship masquerading as activism, a penchant for the punitive rather than the preventive, sophomoric investments in charlatans, than in erecting stable and enduring institutions, and a general inability for self-instruction and political education.

In the events that accompanied the January, 2012 subsidy protests, many of these folks, in misdirected anger, were unaware they were lending themselves as willing tools for various shades of political and economic forces, all in what some read as a revolt against the ‘inhuman’ policies of the reforms earmarked by the Jonathan government. A carnivalesque in celebration of the vulgar, most obscene acts of perfidy, profanity, and ignorance, was show-cased during those days, with many falling themselves over for a moment on the Ojota platform to mouth their versions of hate and vituperations; and in interviews, denouncing the government- and, one of such curious and baffling interventions, was in the submission of the latest beneficiary of this aberration, the ACN/AD/CPC, Buhari et al, disavowing the science or knowledge of said subsidy.

A journey that ought to have begun 3.5 years ago, with the wholesale liberalization of the downstream sector, among other instructive sectoral reforms, like the moribund PIB legislation, paving the way for availability and profitability-buoyed by competition/market forces, and serious industry players or investments, was truncated on the altar of mob justice and political hacktivism. Same folks, who went rampage against downstream sector subsidy removals, now have begun a new song and dance, and expectedly, those with vested interests, bent on protecting their investments, are calibrating and serving the most appropriate response in this unsure political and economic atmosphere.

Head or tail, Nigerians chose today, yesterday….

A colleague of mine once remarked that the average Nigerian parades a week old threshold memory, else some of these irritating narratives, twists, and blame games would hardly suffer audience in a serious and mature polity.

What you’ve got across the spectrum of society, is rank ignorance, gullibility, partisanship masquerading as activism, a penchant for the punitive rather than the preventive, sophomoric investments in charlatans, than in erecting stable and enduring institutions, and a general incapacity for self-instruction and political education.

In the events that accompanied the January, 2012 subsidy protests, many of these folks, in misdirected anger, were unaware they were lending themselves as willing tools for various shades of political and economic forces, all in what some read as a revolt against the ‘inhuman’ policies of the reforms earmarked by the Jonathan government. A carnivalesque in celebration of the vulgar, most obscene acts of perfidy, profanity, and ignorance, was show-cased during those days, with many rushing for a spot on the stage to mouth their versions of hate and vituperation; and in interviews, denouncing the government- and, one of such curious and baffling interventions, was in the submission of the latest beneficiary of this aberration, Buhari, disavowing the science or knowledge of said subsidy.

A journey that ought to have begun 3.5 years ago, for a wholesale liberalization of the downstream sector, among other instructive sectoral reforms, like the moribund PIB legislation, paving the way for profitability- and serious industry players or investments, was truncated on the altar of mob justice and political hacktivism. Same folks, who went rampage against downstream sector subsidy removals, now have begun a new song and dance, and expectedly, those with vested interests, bent on protecting their investments, are calibrating and serving the most appropriate response in an unsure political and economic atmosphere.

The sum of our fear’s curiously taking shape, and may come sooner than we originally predicted...

With the current wave of triumphalism, and hectored rhetoric, coming from a section of the political class, and egged on by some truly naive, and gullible followership, I am afraid, this incoming administration, may capitulate to the ridiculous-and the hegemonic, and superintend a rudderless presidency, overrun in the ensuing chaos- a sobering epitaph, from the smoulders of a wasteland, that once defined a country. Buhari, appears to be the architect long spoken of….

She, apparently, sleep-walked herself into a most searing and deconstructing interview, that advertised an out of depth lady, unconvincing in the defence of her stewardship, and lame extrication of culpability in the ills that currently assail her country.

She probably imagined the interview to be constricted to the tired refrain of #BBOG, as evidenced in the badge she wore, and hence, didn’t do her homework. For the most part, her responses were bogus, unintelligent, and deflecting in the narratives she deployed. At any rate, it still conveyed her abiding reverence to her principal, whose administration came under scrutiny, and the role of Bretton Woods’s institutions, where she also worked, as catalyst agents, shaping poverty across the continent.

In the event, you missed the interviewer’s inferences, body language, discourse pattern, and closing language- he was less than thrilled, bemused, and somewhat disappointed.

Sweetguy25:
Easy with the English bro. Lol

I'm happy you acknowledged the factors that were used to predict the outcomes.

To be fair to Buhari, I assumed that the security situation in the country (especially the north east) will be over by next year. I also assumed that militancy will not return to the Niger Delta region.

Precisely. The optimistic projection needs to be situated within some potent variables, that more often than not, have defined this country. You would be surprised, some would still rip this prognosis as defeatist and pessimistic, but like grief, governance comes with a reality check, quite long in the day, when time and emotions have already run counter, and are spoiling for confrontation at the ballot, or on the polity’s physique. Anyways, the incoming government, whatever the composition, would have to concede to unpopular and anti-welfare policies, contrary to abiding electoral promises, if it's to have some semblance of capacity for everyday administration, and it's at that juncture, Nigerians would be weaned of their delusions, and be forced again to return to the trenches, with the opposition milking the discontent. And, like I discussed earlier, the country is in for some hell of a ride, regardless.

P.S
Forgive the diction. I trust the message is clear.

Spot on, and need I add, conveniently realistic conjectures here-especially with the vicissitudes of a political environment, and volatile oil market. Like I have always remarked in conversations with colleagues and friends, quite a sizeable portion of the populace seems sold on the narrative of Nigeria as an overtly rich country capable of catering and providing limitless succour to their urges and desires. At the risk of the pessimistic label, in truth, the country is poor- it’s an import driven mono-economy, with an average production output of 17.42 bbl/day per 1,000 people-see Oil Nations production data chart, a well institutionalized recurrent bill, rent seeking and allocation dependent federating units, and a near non-existent real sector. Besides, the present projection is hinged on the most obliging of socio-political relationships, an overtly optimistic scenario, given the palpable heightened tensions in relations between various power blocs and interest groups in the polity.

The worry is really not with these challenges, but with the possibility of a pressured Buhari/APC led government, tethering to scapegoating the opposition, as cause of their inability to deliver on the welfare programs, sold to curry votes. That sceptre may be titillating to their staunch supporters-the most naive and cultic followership, and some with an axe to grind, but it’s still under this delusion of omnipotence, and a complimentary panoply of resources for execution, even in the most fascist and bellend of societies. It’s that prospect that earns my worry, especially worse for a heavily fractured and politicized polity like Nigeria, with far-reaching consequences, such mob catering missteps are wont to be interpreted, and the complementary reactionary forces that respond to such gestures.

The political will to engage these realities, with the possibility of a simultaneous shoring of revenue earnings, and the slashing of recurrent bills, would require a very strong citizenry buy in, even for the most homogenous of polities. Increase in taxations, borrowings, privatisations, public sector job cuts, renegotiated wages, and a long term real sector seeding, would be very bitter pills, majority Nigerian social groups, labour unions, etc., would be unwilling to swallow in the short term, given the messianic construct of Buhari, seared in the deafening propaganda of the past months. Ergo, the circus show of disappointments, and frenzied ritual of elections, a slush of phantom electioneering promises would resume, and as they say the rest is history.

Probably, West missed the memo, the elections and hitherto open season of tell-tale campaign promises are over. If anything, it's high time these career megaphones and lickspittles, began to tone down their messianic investments, with these ill-thought unctuous utterances. It would do the incoming administration a favour, when the reality and challenges of governance, begins to stare at everyone in the face.

Grow up please, and stop being petty. Many who are raising concerns are doing so out of sheer optimism, and prayer, he would execute a small measure of governance, in some limited four year time frame, given his directionless policy campaign manifestoes, and divisive commentary, capable of burning down this already heated country, than engaging in some belligerent and vindictive position, despite reconciliatory overtures from the outgoing president.

Yes, the prospect may be titillating to his avowed supporters- an exuberant and naive section, and some with an axe to grind, but it’s still under the delusion of omnipotence, and worse for a heavily fractured and politicized polity like Nigeria, with far-reaching consequences, many are wont to not factor. And, yes, everyone might be needing that passport for the shelters, when all this boils over.

nagoma:
We voted him in to uphold law & order and work by the constitution. If you don't like that You can emigrate .

I think this man needs some re-education on public posturing and composure, given his somewhat less than reconciliatory mien on social issues, especially in a democracy.
He probably would wind up chalking up so many feuds with his unbridled vendetta, and achieving very little, as far as governance goes.
Another past ex-dictator, who readily comes to mind, OBJ, employed similar tactics, with his campaign against the Abachas, the legislature, the opposition; and as they say, the rest is history.

I must confess to not encountering a more caustic form of politics, anywhere else- save Nigeria; Oby’s hate sermons, among many other unguarded utterances, on a very touchy subject, wins the cake.

One understands the mudslinging and calumny that accompanies electioneering campaigns, and worse, for a loose army of servitors, political jobbers, e-warriors and accidental activists, unhinged in the deploy of acerbic salvoes. However, a post-election period should place inhibitions in characterizations, surely not with some ill worded piece, curried to undermine a noble offering.

An incumbent capitulates, perforced or otherwise, in furtherance of a pledge to executing the components of a peace accord, and yet continues to be demonised and caricatured, by major beneficiaries of a rare and noble gesture-one certainly without precedence in Nigeria’s peculiar political history, and to scorned actors, who only too soon, were not unscathed from indictments in the run of murders and sectarian violence, when a reverse composition presented itself in recent history, just speaks volume of the poisoned and dangerous brand of politics on practice. I am afraid, this rabid offshoot may likely spawn a slippery road of blame deflections and witch-hunting, when reality-and the challenges of governance begins to settle in, and an embarrassed polity begin to take stock of the democratic choice recently exercised.

In defining maturity and class, I guess, embracing one measure of good in the opponent isn't too much to ask for. This victory parade- and gloating, echoed in the dregs of uncouth submissions like this, only deflates the purveyors, and serves notice of how warped and toxic, a country’s political conversation and engagements will most likely remain, despite rare moments, when commendable opportunities present themselves. Nigerians really can do better than this.

proffemi:
I thought I addressed it, but to be clear, would you lay out the main thrust of your post in a sentence or two? Pardon me for saying this, but while you have marshaled the words with adroitness, I think you are getting a little off-point. I would appreciate if you would, in your own words, identify the main thrust of your write-up that I have glossed over?

Probably one word liners would help make comprehension better. Here goes:

1) The current centripetal political structure breeds corruption. In other words, corruption is symptomatic of a fundamental error in the operational structure of this country-falsely described as a federation.
2) Any approach geared towards combating this symptom, i.e. corruption, without addressing the underlying fault lines, that have made it organic, would remain cosmetic-a Sisyphean burden, with endless jabs and little impact. The countless tribunals, commissions and inquiries, this country has seen, have proved how futile those efforts can be.
3) We need to look beyond elections and the hope of salvation from any crusader whilst the structure remains unaddressed-it would result in a net zero outcome, regardless.
4) Civil society and the press must re-double their ‘oversight’ responsibilities, and chart the tone of political discourse, with demands, representations, incursions that would see to institutional and constitutional reforms. It’s only from sustained demand that compromises, concessions and reforms can be worked out. Power won’t readily relinquish or redeem itself.
5) Progress, though minute, relative to expended energy, is being made in that regard- constitutional conferences, FOI bill passage, power sector reforms etc., but we shouldn’t rest on our oars.

This has been the central theme of my post, and I believe an agreement along these submissions exits.

P.S: The insertion in my commentary of Buhari’s corrupt history was to challenge a revision currently in circulation.

proffemi:
You have written well, but you need to take a step back and consider the question: which of these two is likelier to fight corruption: GEJ or GMJ? You have made a case that no individual can single-handedly fight corruption. Perhaps. However, the changes you suggest must happen under the watch of someone, right? They are far likelier to happen under GMB. And this is not based on speculation: the records of both of them while in power are there to speak for them.

I was right here during GMB's regime and while you would find many people describing him as draconian, high-handed, cruel etc, you would rarely see anyone accusing him of corruption. You make allusions to GMB favoring his cronies while in power. I do not have enough data to speak to that, so will have to request for concrete examples from you.


You cannot clean the Augean stables without getting a little sh*t on your hands. GMB has no political machinery, that much we know. How else is he going to get into power without depending on existing structures, no matter how tainted? All we need is some sign that he is able to hold his own against the Tinubus when necessary, and I think there is some evidence of that. Incidentally, may I remind you that this is effectively a straight contest between GEJ and GMB? Which accusation made against GMB above is Jonathan not more guilty of? You give me Tinubu; I give you Kusamotu. You say GMB has given "imprecise description of the source of his operational campaign funds"? May I remind you that our Commander In Chief has flat-out refused to declare his assets? And this is the smallest example of (to use your language) imprecision on his part. For every allegation of corruption against Buhari, there are 10 against GEJ. For every allegation of illiteracy against Buhari, I can give you multiple examples of incompetence from our PhD president.

This is less about finding NO fault with Buhari (there are many). It's more about asking whether he is more competent that GEJ in the areas that matter the most. Show me a Nigerian that believes Buhari will do a worse job fighting corruption than Jonathan, and I will show you Pinocchio.

I suspect the main thrust of my post may have been glossed over. Let me rephrase my earlier submission: confronting the challenge of corruption-the abuse of power and privileges, would obtain the much desired effect were it treated within the framework of structural and institutional corrective mechanisms, rather than the tired cosmetic cycle of special tribunals, macho attending stations, and fiat.

Regardless of the conveyed political mien-sincere or otherwise, any occupier of the present dysfunctional centrist structure, would succumb to corruption, either by direct involvement or association. The alleged relativity in the degree of corruption regarding Buhari, and other actors cannot redound to any ascription of integrity-a lie remains one-regardless of colour. Besides the gratuitous mouthing of an anti-corruption gospel, the nature of his proposed delivery mechanisms, have remained under wraps-it certainly won’t be any different from the hackneyed precedence that has defined successive governments-civilian or junta.

Power would always speak to itself, and in the absence of oversight or clearly defined constitutional boundaries, abuse would result. This brings us to a crucial point, on the much neglected role of civil society and the fourth estate, in demanding accountability and proposing structural reforms in the polity. Either by diffidence or culpability, that responsibility is near under surrender, and this is where I believe the bulk of energies and attention should be directed. The ritual of elections, and the macabre scramble for power, at all levels, has proved insufficient a check on corruption-we have admitted it’s beyond persons, rather it’s the operating structure.

Engaging and canvassing for correctional bills, policies, institutional and constitutional reforms that would see to the restructuring of the landscape should arouse our senses. The demand for respect of the rule of law, and the holding of other arms of government to their statutory functions should engage our attention and conversation. One happy fallout from such long strident calls, revealing the power of galvanised demand, despite its botched outcome-the constitutional conference, should not be lost on us. The tone has already been set, and it’s on building on that premise that some positive derivatives, like the passage of the FOI bill, some public sector reforms, have materialized. Yes, annoying slow in coming, it is, like the case of the PIB bill, but the redemption of our sense of social responsibility, is crucial to reviving the much needed structural repair that would curb the urge for corrupt practice - and provide planks for genuine political discourse and differentiation in the long run.

Forgive my intrusion on this subject, and lend an ear to the submissions, some of us, with first-hand experience of the conduct of this character, whilst his junta lasted, are willing to make, so we don’t become lured with the deception currently peddled, and find ourselves entrapped in what might become Nigeria’s greatest error.

Corruption, on its own, is a derivative of core structural and political defects, reflected in the concentration of power and access to privileges by select institutions or persons. That anomaly permits effortless abuse of power and unbridled appetite for misappropriation of funds, which has become synonymous with the Nigerian, regardless of position. This premise should bring us full cycle to the issue of reactionary structures, the symptoms tackling approach that has bedevilled Nigeria, the resultant singsong and medley, of all that is unwell with the polity, whenever a political conversation or discourse is engaged.

There would be nothing exceptional in the present democratic order that an Anti-Corruption Czar would execute, besides broaching the courts for summons on supposed political foes, making a spectacle with the dismissal of a few political appointees, and cultivating a protected coterie of cronies. That precedence already exists, both in the conduct of this fellow during his junta, and with successive governments. It has always proved cosmetic at best- and hollow on closer investigation.

Limiting government to supervisory/regulatory roles, or devolving these centripetal powers, making the centre less attractive, may help herald the break from this rapacious politics of greed, corruption and hate. These suggestions are not novel, they provided a framework for this country before the advent of the military, and have been employed in providing a clean break, from that stable in other climes. Any bloke, regardless of his/her political posturing would succumb to corrupt practice, either by direct involvement or association with tainted associates.

Let me jug your memory a bit. Do you recall the case of Uba Ahmed, Alhaji Alhaji Alhaji (AAA), Jokola; the indictment with PTF funds mismanagement, and role as Minister of Petroleum; his still unclear stance on Abacha's innocence. Now, move over to our contemporary dispensation, and examine the imprecise description of the source of his operational and campaign funds, both present, and the former three attempts at election; his association with suspect characters: Tinubu-of the forged certificate and drug trafficking fame, and deep financial/political shenanigans in the structure of politics in the South-West; Saraki-and the privatization of Kwara state resources, and running to ground of SGB; El-Rufai, and his still unresolved impropriety with Abuja land allocations, Timipre Sylva etc., ad nauseum.

It would be unwise and would reek of self-deceit to ascribe the cloak of discipline and integrity to this character, even with the pitiful amnesia that currently prevails.

proffemi:
Smile.
We have many problems, but corruption is the one problem that undercuts ANY effort to solve other problems. Beyond fighting corruption, we need evidence that our president is able to headhunt great minds and give them the "space" to perform. OBJ was a better headhunter than GEJ. However, GEJ has not done shabbily in that regard either (I'm looking at you, Minister of Agriculture). Unfortunately, with corruption still enthroned, all their efforts have been akin to water into a bottomless pit. I believe GMB would also be a good headhunter. Combine that with my perception of him as a man with strength of character, I'm leaning in that direction (that's just me, mind you).

My problems with Buhari: I fear he could be sectional in his outlook. While I do not doubt his street smarts, I wonder about his ability to express himself. "Islamization" (whatever that means) is not one of my fears (would you bet that under GEJ, the entire north would not be lost to insurgents in 4 years?). Also, the North-South issue does not matter to me (when are we going to grow up as a people?!).

All the best as you make your choice bro!